AIM: To observe how acupuncture stimulation influences the visceral nociception in rat and to clarify the interactions between acupuncture or somatic input and visceral nociceptive inputs in the spinal dorsal horn. Th...AIM: To observe how acupuncture stimulation influences the visceral nociception in rat and to clarify the interactions between acupuncture or somatic input and visceral nociceptive inputs in the spinal dorsal horn. These will provide scientific base for illustrating the mechanism of acupuncture on visceral pain.METHODS: Experiments were performed on SpragueDawley rats and the visceral nociceptive stimulus was generated by colorectal distention (CRD). Unit discharges from individual single neuron were recorded extracellularly with glass-microelectrode in L1-3 spinal dorsal horn.Acupuncture stimulation was applied at contralateral heterotopic acupoint and ipsilateral homotopic acupoint,both of which were innervated by the same segments that innervate also the colorectal-gut.RESULTS: The visceral nociception could be inhibited at the spinal level by the heterotopic somatic mechanical stimulation and acupuncture. The maximal inhibition was induced by acupuncture or the somatic noxious stimulation at spinal dorsal horn level with inhibiting rate of 68.61%and 60.79%, respectively (P<0.01 and <0.001). In reversible spinalized rats (cervical-thoracic cold block)both spontaneous activity and responses to CRD increased significantly in 16/20 units examined, indicating the existence of tonic descending inhibition. The inhibition of acupuncture on the noxious CRD disappeared totally in the reversible spinalized rats (P<0.001).CONCLUSION: The inputs of noxious CRD and acupuncture may interact at the spinal level. The nociceptive visceral inputs could be inhibited by acupuncture applied to hetero-topic acupoint. The effect indicates that the spinal dorsal horn plays a significant role in mediating the inhibition of acupuncture and somatic stimulation on the neuronal response to the noxious visceral stimulation and the inhibition is modulated by upper cervical cord and/or supra-spinal center.展开更多
Objective: To investigate the expression of P2X receptors on rat intracardiac and paratracheal ganglion neurons. Methods: For preparation of intracardiac neurons, hearts were excised, the atria were separated and th...Objective: To investigate the expression of P2X receptors on rat intracardiac and paratracheal ganglion neurons. Methods: For preparation of intracardiac neurons, hearts were excised, the atria were separated and the medial region containing intracardiac ganglia was isolated and cut into pieces. For preparation of paratracheal neurons, the tracheas were removed and the superficial membranous layer containing paratracheal ganglia was rapidly isolated. Intracardiac and paratracheal ganglion neurons were dissociated after digestion by collagenase and trypsin. Whole-cell patch clamp recording was used to identify the pharmacological properties of P2X receptors in cultured neurons. Results:Neurons from these two ganglia responded to ATP with a rapidly activating, sustained inward current, αβ-meATP failed to evoke any re- sponses in paratracheal ganglion neurons while a few of intracardiac ganglion neurons responded to αβ- meATP with a tiny sustained inward current. ADP and UTP had no effect on intracardiac neurons. Lowering pH potentiated ATP responses in neurons from these two ganglia whereas increasing pH inhibited ATP responses. Co-application of Zn^2+ potentiated ATP responses in intracardiac and paratracheal ganglion neurons. Conclusion: The receptor subtypes involved in intracardiac and paratracheal ganglia appear to be homomeric P2X2, while heteromeric P2X2/3 could not be completely excluded from intracardiac neurons.展开更多
The human body requires about 1-2 mg of iron per day for its normal functioning, and dietary iron is the only source for this essential metal. Since humans do not possess a mechanism for the active excretion of iron, ...The human body requires about 1-2 mg of iron per day for its normal functioning, and dietary iron is the only source for this essential metal. Since humans do not possess a mechanism for the active excretion of iron, the amount of iron in the body is determined by the amount absorbed across the proximal small intestine and, consequently, intestinal iron absorption is a highly regulated process. In recent years, the liver has emerged as a central regulator of both iron absorption and iron release from other tissues. It achieves this by secreting a peptide hormone called hepcidin that acts on the small intestinal epithelium and other cells to limit iron delivery to the plasma. Hepcidin itself is regulated in response to various systemic stimuli including variations in body iron stores, the rate of erythropoiesis, inflammation and hypoxia, the same stimuli that have been known for many years to modulate iron absorption. This review will summarize recent findings on the role played by the liver and hepcidin in the regulation of body iron absorption.展开更多
AIM: CMU-1 is a new preservation solution with a low potassium concentration as well as low viscosity that is highly effective in reducing preservation injury. The purpose of this experiment is to compare the protecti...AIM: CMU-1 is a new preservation solution with a low potassium concentration as well as low viscosity that is highly effective in reducing preservation injury. The purpose of this experiment is to compare the protective effect of CMU-1 solution with that of UW during cold preservation and normothermic reperfusion. METHODS: Wistar rats were divided into two groups according to different preservation solution: CMU-1 group and UW group. After 6, 12 and 24 h cold storage of rat liver in different preservation solutions, the isolated perfused rat liver model was applied to reperfuse the liver for 120 min normothermically (37 癈) with Krebs-Henseleit solution, meanwhile the pH value of the preservation solution was measured. The perfusate was sampled for the evaluation of alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH). At the end of the reperfusion, all of the bile product was collected, energy metabolic substrate and histological examination were performed. RESULTS: After preserving for 6 h, pH value of both groups did not change; after 12 h, both decreased but with no significant difference. After 24 h, pH value in UW solution group significantly decreased. The total adenine nucleotides level and AEC in liver tissue decreased with preservation time, but they were higher in CMU-1 group. And the amount of bile product after perfusion for 120 min in CMU-1 group was much more than that in UW group. However, there were no significant differences in ALT and LDH levels between two groups. Histology showed no difference. CONCLUSION: The preservation effect of CMU-1 solution is similar with that of UW solution. However, CMU-1 solution shows some advantages over UW solution in energy metabolism, preventing intracellular acidosis and bile product.展开更多
In order to study the interaction between various fouling particles and ballast,a multi-layer and multi-scale discrete element model(DEM)including the sleeper,ballast bed and the surface layer of subgrade was develope...In order to study the interaction between various fouling particles and ballast,a multi-layer and multi-scale discrete element model(DEM)including the sleeper,ballast bed and the surface layer of subgrade was developed.Two typical fouling particles,the hard particles(sand)and soft ones(coal fines),are considered.A support stiffness test of the ballast bed under various fouling conditions was conducted to calibrate the microscopic parameters of the contact model.With the model,the influence of fouling particles on the mechanical behavior and deformation of the ballast bed was analyzed from macro and micro perspectives.The results show that the increase in the strength of the fouling particles enlarges the stiffness of the ballast bed.Hard particles increase the uniformity coefficient of the contact force bondγof ballast by 50.4%.Fouling particles increase the average stress in the subgrade,soft particles by 2 kPa and hard particles by 1 kPa.Hard particles can reduce the elasticity,plastic deformation and energy dissipation in the track structure.As the fouling particle changes from hard to soft,the proportion of the settlement in ballast bed increases to 40.5%and surface layer of swbgrade settlement decreases to 59.5%.Thus,the influence of fouling particles should be considered carefully in railway design and maintenance.展开更多
The signals and the neuronal mechanisms that underlying the behavior, actions, and action-directed goals in man and animals during conscious state are not fully understood, and the neuro-dynamic mechanisms and the sou...The signals and the neuronal mechanisms that underlying the behavior, actions, and action-directed goals in man and animals during conscious state are not fully understood, and the neuro-dynamic mechanisms and the source of these neuronal signals are not authenticated. Temporal judgment alone can neither account for neural signaling necessary for emergence of conscious act nor explain RP (Readiness Potential, the accepted neural correlate time needed for the neurons to fire) that precedes the onset of action or the latency time of 0.5 ms that precedes the conscious act found by Libet. Neuronal feedback mechanisms between the heart and the brain seem feasible and logical suggestions to be considered, so clearly, I would suggest that the onset of a conscious-directed goal, conscious action, freewill, intension, and the neural signals and mechanisms that control them may depend upon the interaction between two sources: (1) the brain and (2) the heart. The temporal-cardiac (neural system) interaction has been well established in heart-brain interaction studies by many workers who found that the work of the heart precedes that of the brain in EEG (electroencephalography) findings in conscious stimulation, which may explain and account for RP time and the 0.5 ms latency period of Libet's important findings. According to my hypothesis (AlFaki 2009) and views, the temporal neurons in the soma to-sensory cortex will respond to conscious stimulation only after receiving neuronal signals from the cardiac neurons in the neural plexus of the heart; after variable millisecond equivalent to RP or Libet's latency period prior to temporal neuronal firinging in response to conscious act, this time is the time needed by cardiac neurons to process and signal information to the brain through feedback mechanism and heart-brain interaction.展开更多
CKD (chronic kidney disease) is a progressive disease. If it is left untreated, it can eventually result in end stage renal failure and necessitate dialysis or kidney transplantation. There is no cure for CKD; inste...CKD (chronic kidney disease) is a progressive disease. If it is left untreated, it can eventually result in end stage renal failure and necessitate dialysis or kidney transplantation. There is no cure for CKD; instead a great deal of self management over time is essential. The purpose is to evaluate self management behaviour of patients at different stages of CKD. A total of 300 CKD patients were recruited in this cross sectional study from March to July 2015 at nephrology clinic of a tertiary care setting using convenience sampling. Self management behaviour score was determined using in Partners in Health scale and was then compared at different stages of CKD. Demographic and clinical factors contributing to self management behaviour were determined. Results: There was a significant difference in age (p 〈 0.001), gender (p 〈 0.001), education level (p 〈 0.001), marital status (p 〈 0.001), duration of illness (p 〈 0.001) and number of co-morbidities (p 〈 0.001) among CKD stages. A significant difference in self management behaviour mean score was found among CKD stages (p 〈 0.001). Post hoc analysis showed self management behaviour mean score for Stage Ⅰ (mean ± SD: 77.81 ± 9.41) was significantly higher than Stage Ⅳ (mean ± SD: 70.53 ± 13.91) and Stage Ⅴ (mean ± SD: 69.54 ± 12.31). Self management behaviour mean score for Stage Ⅱ (mean ± SD: 78.46 ± 10.01) was significantly higher than Stage Ⅳ and Stage Ⅴ. Multiple linear regression revealed education level (p 〈 0.001) and number of co-morbidities (p = 0.01) as significant predictors of self management behaviour. It can be concluded that special attention should be focused on patients at late stage of CKD, especially those with diabetic nephropathy; low education level and multiple co-morbidities to improve self management behaviour.展开更多
文摘AIM: To observe how acupuncture stimulation influences the visceral nociception in rat and to clarify the interactions between acupuncture or somatic input and visceral nociceptive inputs in the spinal dorsal horn. These will provide scientific base for illustrating the mechanism of acupuncture on visceral pain.METHODS: Experiments were performed on SpragueDawley rats and the visceral nociceptive stimulus was generated by colorectal distention (CRD). Unit discharges from individual single neuron were recorded extracellularly with glass-microelectrode in L1-3 spinal dorsal horn.Acupuncture stimulation was applied at contralateral heterotopic acupoint and ipsilateral homotopic acupoint,both of which were innervated by the same segments that innervate also the colorectal-gut.RESULTS: The visceral nociception could be inhibited at the spinal level by the heterotopic somatic mechanical stimulation and acupuncture. The maximal inhibition was induced by acupuncture or the somatic noxious stimulation at spinal dorsal horn level with inhibiting rate of 68.61%and 60.79%, respectively (P<0.01 and <0.001). In reversible spinalized rats (cervical-thoracic cold block)both spontaneous activity and responses to CRD increased significantly in 16/20 units examined, indicating the existence of tonic descending inhibition. The inhibition of acupuncture on the noxious CRD disappeared totally in the reversible spinalized rats (P<0.001).CONCLUSION: The inputs of noxious CRD and acupuncture may interact at the spinal level. The nociceptive visceral inputs could be inhibited by acupuncture applied to hetero-topic acupoint. The effect indicates that the spinal dorsal horn plays a significant role in mediating the inhibition of acupuncture and somatic stimulation on the neuronal response to the noxious visceral stimulation and the inhibition is modulated by upper cervical cord and/or supra-spinal center.
基金Supported by the National Natural Foundation of China (No. 30570597)
文摘Objective: To investigate the expression of P2X receptors on rat intracardiac and paratracheal ganglion neurons. Methods: For preparation of intracardiac neurons, hearts were excised, the atria were separated and the medial region containing intracardiac ganglia was isolated and cut into pieces. For preparation of paratracheal neurons, the tracheas were removed and the superficial membranous layer containing paratracheal ganglia was rapidly isolated. Intracardiac and paratracheal ganglion neurons were dissociated after digestion by collagenase and trypsin. Whole-cell patch clamp recording was used to identify the pharmacological properties of P2X receptors in cultured neurons. Results:Neurons from these two ganglia responded to ATP with a rapidly activating, sustained inward current, αβ-meATP failed to evoke any re- sponses in paratracheal ganglion neurons while a few of intracardiac ganglion neurons responded to αβ- meATP with a tiny sustained inward current. ADP and UTP had no effect on intracardiac neurons. Lowering pH potentiated ATP responses in neurons from these two ganglia whereas increasing pH inhibited ATP responses. Co-application of Zn^2+ potentiated ATP responses in intracardiac and paratracheal ganglion neurons. Conclusion: The receptor subtypes involved in intracardiac and paratracheal ganglia appear to be homomeric P2X2, while heteromeric P2X2/3 could not be completely excluded from intracardiac neurons.
文摘The human body requires about 1-2 mg of iron per day for its normal functioning, and dietary iron is the only source for this essential metal. Since humans do not possess a mechanism for the active excretion of iron, the amount of iron in the body is determined by the amount absorbed across the proximal small intestine and, consequently, intestinal iron absorption is a highly regulated process. In recent years, the liver has emerged as a central regulator of both iron absorption and iron release from other tissues. It achieves this by secreting a peptide hormone called hepcidin that acts on the small intestinal epithelium and other cells to limit iron delivery to the plasma. Hepcidin itself is regulated in response to various systemic stimuli including variations in body iron stores, the rate of erythropoiesis, inflammation and hypoxia, the same stimuli that have been known for many years to modulate iron absorption. This review will summarize recent findings on the role played by the liver and hepcidin in the regulation of body iron absorption.
文摘AIM: CMU-1 is a new preservation solution with a low potassium concentration as well as low viscosity that is highly effective in reducing preservation injury. The purpose of this experiment is to compare the protective effect of CMU-1 solution with that of UW during cold preservation and normothermic reperfusion. METHODS: Wistar rats were divided into two groups according to different preservation solution: CMU-1 group and UW group. After 6, 12 and 24 h cold storage of rat liver in different preservation solutions, the isolated perfused rat liver model was applied to reperfuse the liver for 120 min normothermically (37 癈) with Krebs-Henseleit solution, meanwhile the pH value of the preservation solution was measured. The perfusate was sampled for the evaluation of alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH). At the end of the reperfusion, all of the bile product was collected, energy metabolic substrate and histological examination were performed. RESULTS: After preserving for 6 h, pH value of both groups did not change; after 12 h, both decreased but with no significant difference. After 24 h, pH value in UW solution group significantly decreased. The total adenine nucleotides level and AEC in liver tissue decreased with preservation time, but they were higher in CMU-1 group. And the amount of bile product after perfusion for 120 min in CMU-1 group was much more than that in UW group. However, there were no significant differences in ALT and LDH levels between two groups. Histology showed no difference. CONCLUSION: The preservation effect of CMU-1 solution is similar with that of UW solution. However, CMU-1 solution shows some advantages over UW solution in energy metabolism, preventing intracellular acidosis and bile product.
基金Project(51978045) supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of ChinaProject([2017]7) supported by Shenshuo Science and Technology Development Project,China。
文摘In order to study the interaction between various fouling particles and ballast,a multi-layer and multi-scale discrete element model(DEM)including the sleeper,ballast bed and the surface layer of subgrade was developed.Two typical fouling particles,the hard particles(sand)and soft ones(coal fines),are considered.A support stiffness test of the ballast bed under various fouling conditions was conducted to calibrate the microscopic parameters of the contact model.With the model,the influence of fouling particles on the mechanical behavior and deformation of the ballast bed was analyzed from macro and micro perspectives.The results show that the increase in the strength of the fouling particles enlarges the stiffness of the ballast bed.Hard particles increase the uniformity coefficient of the contact force bondγof ballast by 50.4%.Fouling particles increase the average stress in the subgrade,soft particles by 2 kPa and hard particles by 1 kPa.Hard particles can reduce the elasticity,plastic deformation and energy dissipation in the track structure.As the fouling particle changes from hard to soft,the proportion of the settlement in ballast bed increases to 40.5%and surface layer of swbgrade settlement decreases to 59.5%.Thus,the influence of fouling particles should be considered carefully in railway design and maintenance.
文摘The signals and the neuronal mechanisms that underlying the behavior, actions, and action-directed goals in man and animals during conscious state are not fully understood, and the neuro-dynamic mechanisms and the source of these neuronal signals are not authenticated. Temporal judgment alone can neither account for neural signaling necessary for emergence of conscious act nor explain RP (Readiness Potential, the accepted neural correlate time needed for the neurons to fire) that precedes the onset of action or the latency time of 0.5 ms that precedes the conscious act found by Libet. Neuronal feedback mechanisms between the heart and the brain seem feasible and logical suggestions to be considered, so clearly, I would suggest that the onset of a conscious-directed goal, conscious action, freewill, intension, and the neural signals and mechanisms that control them may depend upon the interaction between two sources: (1) the brain and (2) the heart. The temporal-cardiac (neural system) interaction has been well established in heart-brain interaction studies by many workers who found that the work of the heart precedes that of the brain in EEG (electroencephalography) findings in conscious stimulation, which may explain and account for RP time and the 0.5 ms latency period of Libet's important findings. According to my hypothesis (AlFaki 2009) and views, the temporal neurons in the soma to-sensory cortex will respond to conscious stimulation only after receiving neuronal signals from the cardiac neurons in the neural plexus of the heart; after variable millisecond equivalent to RP or Libet's latency period prior to temporal neuronal firinging in response to conscious act, this time is the time needed by cardiac neurons to process and signal information to the brain through feedback mechanism and heart-brain interaction.
文摘CKD (chronic kidney disease) is a progressive disease. If it is left untreated, it can eventually result in end stage renal failure and necessitate dialysis or kidney transplantation. There is no cure for CKD; instead a great deal of self management over time is essential. The purpose is to evaluate self management behaviour of patients at different stages of CKD. A total of 300 CKD patients were recruited in this cross sectional study from March to July 2015 at nephrology clinic of a tertiary care setting using convenience sampling. Self management behaviour score was determined using in Partners in Health scale and was then compared at different stages of CKD. Demographic and clinical factors contributing to self management behaviour were determined. Results: There was a significant difference in age (p 〈 0.001), gender (p 〈 0.001), education level (p 〈 0.001), marital status (p 〈 0.001), duration of illness (p 〈 0.001) and number of co-morbidities (p 〈 0.001) among CKD stages. A significant difference in self management behaviour mean score was found among CKD stages (p 〈 0.001). Post hoc analysis showed self management behaviour mean score for Stage Ⅰ (mean ± SD: 77.81 ± 9.41) was significantly higher than Stage Ⅳ (mean ± SD: 70.53 ± 13.91) and Stage Ⅴ (mean ± SD: 69.54 ± 12.31). Self management behaviour mean score for Stage Ⅱ (mean ± SD: 78.46 ± 10.01) was significantly higher than Stage Ⅳ and Stage Ⅴ. Multiple linear regression revealed education level (p 〈 0.001) and number of co-morbidities (p = 0.01) as significant predictors of self management behaviour. It can be concluded that special attention should be focused on patients at late stage of CKD, especially those with diabetic nephropathy; low education level and multiple co-morbidities to improve self management behaviour.